This special crafted tour is specifically designed for Latter-Day Saints families and groups. It offers an intense and in-depth excursion of the Holy Land. It covers many of the significant historical landmarks in Israel, with an optional extension of touring Jordan. The destinations are a mix of Old Testament, New Testament, and Mormon heritage related sites. The tour also includes some fun and extreme activities, all combined to generate an awsome and unforgettable experience!
Latter-Day Saints 16 Day Israel and Jordan Tour
Day 1 – To the Galilee
WELCOME TO ISRAEL! Upon arrival, we will head to the north for a few days. Pending on the time of your landing, we could make a visit to Caesarea, where we will review the wealth of finds, and especially those relating to Paul’s prison (Acts 23-26) and the baptism of Cornelius by Peter (Acts 10). We could also visit Megiddo, identified in the Apocalypse with “Armageddon” (Rev. 16:16), Mount Tabor, the possible site of the transfiguration (Luke 9), or Nain, where Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead (Luke 7).
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 2 – Jesus and the Sea of Galilee
This day is devoted to exploring holy Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee. We start with a visit to the first century synagogue discovered in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. We continue on to the exhibition of a 2,000 year old wooden boat at Ginosar, known as the “Sea of Galilee Boat”. We could also book a private sail on the Sea of Galilee. After lunch, at a local fish restaurant, we then drive to the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish (Luke 9), the nearby Church of the Primacy of Peter (John 21), and of course – Capernaum, the “town of Jesus.” We end the day at the Mount of Beatitudes, the possible locations of the “Sermon on the mount” (Matt. 5).
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 3 – On the Road to Damascus
Heading to the sources of the Jordan River, at one of its springs we exlpore ancient Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Jesus named Simon- Yona “Peter”. Next we head up the Golan Heights, along the possible historical path “On the Road to Damascus” (Acts 9). In the Golan heights, we have a special Druze lunch and hospitality experience, followed by a panoramic view from the top of Mt. Bental. We will also drive along the Syrian border and learn about the modern conflicts in this region.
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 4 – Nazareth and its Vicinity
Focusing today on Jesus’ childhood in the Galilee our first stop today will be te Wedding Church at Cana. Here we will learn about Jesus’ First Miracle (John 2), and possibly conduct a renewal of the vows ceremony. Next, we will head to Jesus’ hometown – Nazareth. After seeing its main spring (Mary’s Well) we will stroll through the local market to reach the uniquly named Synagogue Church. Next will be the complex of the Church of Annunciation. Here, by centuries old tradition, Mary was announced on her immaculate conception, and next door is the home of the holy family when Jesus was growing up. If time permits, we will also drive to Mount Precipice before heading to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5 – Biblical Jerusalem
The first day in Jerusalem will be devoted to learning how the city was founded exploring the City of David. Under the Visitor Center we assess possible remains of King David’s Palace. Nearby, we can also review the Canaanite-era Cultic center (Malchizedek’s Temple?).Heading underground, we walk from the Gihon Spring along the Canaanite Tunnel, to the Pool of Siloam, also known for Jesus’ healing of a blind man (John 9). We continue into the old city by walking along the underground Herodian Era Drainage Channel, up to the Western wall at the Southern Wall Archaeological Park. After a lunch break in the Jewish Quarter, we could visit the Temple Institute, and the possible location of Jesus’ interogation and arrest by the High Priest in the Herodian Quarter. We will also review some remains of Jerusalem’s fortifications from the time of King Zedekiah. These might be the wall and gate mentioned in I Nephi 4:5. We end the day with visit to the site of the Last Supper (Cenacle) on Mount Zion. If time permits, we will also visit the sites of the Pentacost event and the rest place of Mary (Dormition Abbey), the First Century Church on Mount Zion?, and the site of Peter’s denial of Jesus (Petrus in Gallicantu).
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6 – Following Jesus in Jerusalem
We start the day at the famous Mount of Olives Viewpoint, where we can also visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the site where Jesus’ taught the Lord’s Prayer and the site where the Lord Wept (Dominus Flevit ). At the foot of Mount of Olives, we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane and Grotto, and Mary’s Tomb. Nearby, we can also visit Orson Hyde Park. We then enter the old city throught the Lions Gate, and visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a sick man (John 5). Next, we will join the Via Dolorosa. This is the holy path, by Christian tradition, from the place of Jesus’ trial to the site of his crucifixion – the Golgotha. After a lunch break along the way will reach Church of the Holy Sepulchre to see the Golgthotha and possibly enter the Tomb of Jesus.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7 (FRI) – Tracing Goliath, Samson – and Lehi
A day devoted to the low hill country side of Israel (the Shephela) will start at ancient Beth Shemesh, where we will learn about the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines, as well as the unsuccessful love affairs of Samson. We then continue to the battle site of David and Goliath, and possibly collect a few pebbles from the local brook (deadly weapons as David proved…). After lunch, we explore the major Biblical site Tel Lachish. If we set off-road transportation, we could drive to the site related to the estate of Lehi – Khirbet Beit Loya / Beit Lehi. If time and will permits, on the way back to Tel-Aviv we could also visit Emmaus-Nicopolis, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection according to Luke (24:13-31).
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 8 (Saturday) – BYU and Bethlehem
Saturday (Shabbath) will start with attending morning prayers at the beautiful Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center campus on Mount Scopus, followed by a return to Orson Hyde memorial park on Mount of Olives, visit the Garden Tomb, and a shopping opportunity at Jimmy’s Bazaar. Later, you will be lead by a Palestinian guide into Bethlehem, and learn about the birth of Jesus at the Church of Nativity. If time permits, you may also visit the Shepherds’ Field and Herodium.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 9 – Tour of the Dead Sea
Heading to the lowest dry land on the planet, we pass by Jericho and visit the baptism site (“Qasr el-Yahud”), where we could also conduct a baptism ceremony. Next, we review the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found (Qumran). Among others, this is where the Copper Scroll was found. Its discovery forms a great parallel to the story of hiding the Brass Plates in antiquity. Further south we will pass by the desert oasis of Ein Gedi, and possibly spot some of the local ibex. The final focal point will be on the magnificent site of Masada, famed for its dramatic and tragic history. We end the day with an optional swim at the Dead Sea.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 10 – Temple Mount and the Israel Museum
An early start will take us up to the Temple Mount, where we will be able to appreciate its current architecture and also learn about remains from the Jewish Temple period on the Temple Mount. We then continue to the Israel Museum, to see the famous Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book, assess Jerusalem at the time of Jesua at the First Century Model of Jerusalem, and review the highlights at the museum’s Archaeological Wing. If time and will permits we could also drive to Ein Karem and visit sites related to the childhood of John the Baptist, or visit the Israeli National monument in memory of the Holocaust – Yad Vashem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 11 – Jaffa and Tel-Aviv
The last day of our tour will be devoted to Old Jaffa and modern Tel-Aviv. We start with a review of remains from Canaanite times at Ramesses II’s Gate Garden, and then search for the House of Simon the Tanner at the Armenian home of the Zakarians. We continue to modern Tel Aviv, and at Rothschild Boulevard present the site where the modern State of Israel was declared (“Independence Hall“), as well as Rabin Assassination site.
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 12 – Tabernacle in the Wilderness
A 5-hour drive will get us to Eilat, with an optional stop along the way at Tel Be’er Sheva, Abraham’s Well in Beer-Sheva, or the Tabernacle Replica in Timna Nature Reserve. The model presents both the exterior and the interior of the biblical tabernacle, and possibly where it was actually located (!).
Upon reaching Eilat we could go for a snorkeling or Scuba diving experience on the Red Sea, and possibly combine it with a sail on a yacht.
Overnight: Eilat
Day 13 – Off-Road in Wadi Rum
After breakfast you will be drive to the border crossing into Jordan near Eilat. Upon entering Jordan your Jordanian guide will take you first to Aqaba. The modern city is known for its big port, but its historical part bears a medieval fort, and a colossal scale flag commemorating the 1917 “Great Arab Revolt”. Next we will head to the iconic nature reserve of Wadi Rum. Famed for its Martian like landscape, we will have an off-road or ATV tour and combine it with a Bedouin style lunch. The night could be in a Bedouin tent in Wadi Rum, or a more conventional hotel next to Petra.
Overnight: Wadi Rum or Petra
Day 14 – Petra and Lot’s Cave
An early start will get you into the legendary site of Petra before the heat – and the crowds (!). You will first walk through its famous narrow gorge (the Siq), until the iconic “Al-Khazane”. This fantastic tomb façade is one of the best-preserved works of art from Roman times. Its details are a fantastic mix of western and local Nabatean styles. Next, you will walk next to the city’s theatre, and along its main street, down to its markets and temples area. If time and will permit, we could include a hike to Ad Deir monument or the High Place of Sacrifice. Around noon, we will head north, with optional stops at the Medieval castle of Shobak, the Byzantine traditional site of Lot’s Cave or Bab Edh-Dhra, said to be site of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.
Overnight: Kempinski Dead Sea or Ma’in Hot Springs
Day 15 – Mount Nebo and the Promised Land
A steep and winding road brings you to one of the of the most under rated sites in Christian history – Machaerus. This desert fortress built by Herod was the execution site of John the Baptist, as recorded both by the Gospels and Josephus. We will hike to the top and review the remains from Roman times, and reflect on the gloomy end of the forerunner of Jesus. Next, we will drive to Mount Nebo, the site where Moses saw the Promised Land, but did not enter it! The great panoramas of the Jordan valley and the Dead Sea are complemented by well restored ancient church complex. We end the day with a visit to Madaba map, an amazing discovery of a mosaic floor depicting in great details the Holy Land in the late Byzantine period.
Overnight: Madaba or Amman
Day 16 – Baptism Site
Depending on the time of your departure from Amman, on the last day, we could visit the Jordanian side of John the Baptist baptism site (“Bethany beyond the Jordan”). We could also explore Amman, and especially the new archaeological musuem where the significant “Copper Scroll” is now on display, before flying out from Amman’s airport.
Farewell!
